“These are voluntary agreements between citizens of states, between groups of citizens acting as states and between groups of states. And when they’re consented by Congress, they have the force of federal law,” Burlison stated during a news conference held at the Capitol. “This compact that we file today says that the legislatures of member states have the primary responsibility to regulate health care in their respective states.”

Burlison denied his bill is merely symbolic, another attempt by Republicans in the House to express their opposition to the health care legislation signed into law by President Obama. Burlison said that 31 states are considering similar legislation. He said that pressure could be applied to Congress if enough states move forward with the idea.